High efficiency wetted surface cyclonic air sampler

Abstract

An air sampler having a fan; an air inlet tube; a main body having a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister; and fluidic circuitry for inputting fluids to the main body and the air inlet tube, and for outputting fluids from the main body. Air flow through the air sampler may be generated by a fan that is either external or internal with respect to the main body's cyclonic cup. A thin film of stripping liquid and/or a fog of stripping liquid particles in the air inlet tube, the cyclonic cup, the stripping column and/or the demister strip a target material from the air flow through the air sampler. A passive fog generating slot or a passive spiral fog generating nozzle may be placed over the fluid input conduit in the center of the cyclonic cup. The air sampler's main body and/or an air inlet tube may be integrally formed as one part. The main body's inner surfaces may be selected to be hydrophilic, for better flow of the thin film of stripping liquid across them; and its intersecting internal surfaces may be provided with smoothly curved fillets for better air and liquid flow over them. The air sampler may be provided with a liquid level control that may have a reservoir float monitored by external optical sensors; a flexible, capacitive effect, dual electrode bearing substrate that is wrapped around the exterior of the air sampler's stripping column; or an external optical bubble sensor for the reservoir's output conduit. The air sampler may be so small, light and low in energy consumption that it may be battery powered and human-portable; and may be so efficient that it may be used to strip target material that is present in the incoming air in concentrations of only a few parts per trillion, or less.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber; and  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means.  
     
     
       2. The air sampler according to  claim 1 , wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup; wherein said main body air vortex comprises a cyclonic cup air vortex located within said cyclonic cup; wherein said main body further comprises a passive stripping liquid fog generating means that is in fluid communication with said liquid inlet means; wherein at least part of said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is located within said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is for generating fog particles from said stripping liquid and said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said fog particles strip a fog-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex; wherein said main body air vortex deposits on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface at least some of said fog particles; wherein said fog particles that are deposited on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprise at least part of said thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; and wherein said fog-stripped part of said target material comprises at least part of said film-stripped part of said target material. 
     
     
       3. The air sampler according to  claim 1 , wherein said one integrally formed piece is selected from the group consisting of one integrally formed blow-molded piece and one integrally formed roto-molded piece. 
     
     
       4. The air sampler according to  claim 1 , wherein said air sampler further comprises a fan means for creating said air flow. 
     
     
       5. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises a peristaltic pump means for removing at least some of said stripping liquid from said liquid outlet means; wherein said peristaltic pump means comprises a rotor; at least one roller carried by said rotor; a driving means for urging said rotor to rotate; a raceway comprising a pump tube track; a pump tube mounted in a said pump tube track; and mounting means for preventing rotation of said raceway with respect to said driving means; and wherein a pinched-shut portion of said pump tube is located between said at least one roller and said pump tube track.  
     
     
       6. The air sampler according to  claim 5 , wherein said pump tube track defines an arc having an angular size greater than about 280°. 
     
     
       7. The air sampler according to  claim 5 , wherein said pump tube track defines an arc having an angular size greater than about 350° and less than about 360°. 
     
     
       8. The air sampler according to  claim 5 , wherein said peristaltic pump means comprises only two rollers carried by said rotor; and wherein a respective said pinched-shut portion of said pump tube is located between each of said two rollers and said pump tube track. 
     
     
       9. The air sampler according to  claim 5 , wherein said raceway further comprises a roller track for said at least one roller; wherein said roller track has a bottom; and wherein said pump tube track is located in said bottom of said roller track. 
     
     
       10. The air sampler according to  claim 5 , wherein said raceway has an elasticity and a size that are selected to enable said raceway to help said at least one roller to pinch shut said pump tube between said at least one roller and said pump tube track. 
     
     
       11. The air sampler according to  claim 10 , wherein said raceway is selected to be effectively inelastic; and wherein said at least one roller comprises an resilient outer surface having a thickness and a resiliency selected to enable said at least one roller to pinch shut said pump tube against said pump tube track. 
     
     
       12. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said target material has an effective partition coefficient in said stripping liquid; and wherein said stripping liquid comprises a binding material that is selected to increase said effective partition coefficient of said target material in said stripping liquid.  
     
     
       13. The air sampler according to  claim 12 , wherein said binding material comprises an antibody. 
     
     
       14. The air sampler according to  claim 12 , wherein said binding material comprises particles of a polymerized hydroxyethyl methacrylate that was polymerized in the presence of said target material. 
     
     
       15. The air sampler according to  claim 12 , wherein said binding material comprises a protein. 
     
     
       16. The air sampler according to  claim 15 , wherein said target material comprises a triazine class of pesticide. 
     
     
       17. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises recycling means for conveying said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material at least once from said liquid outlet means to said liquid inlet means; and wherein each time said stripping liquid passes from said liquid inlet means to said liquid outlet means said stripping liquid strips an additional said film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, to increase the concentration of said film-stripped part of said target material in said stripping liquid.  
     
     
       18. The air sampler according to  claim 17 , wherein said liquid outlet means is located higher than said liquid inlet means a distance that is selected to permit said stripping liquid to be gravity fed from said liquid outlet means to said liquid inlet means. 
     
     
       19. The air sampler according to  claim 17 , wherein said main body air vortex creates a low pressure area in a central part of said main body air vortex; wherein said liquid inlet means comprises a liquid inlet port; and wherein said liquid inlet port is located in said low pressure area; and wherein said low pressure area aspirates said stripping liquid into said main body through said liquid inlet port. 
     
     
       20. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber, wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein, in a given period of time, a certain volume of said air flow and a certain volume of said stripping liquid pass through said main body air chamber; and wherein the ratio of said certain volume of said air flow to said certain volume of said stripping liquid is at least about 10,000:1.  
     
     
       21. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein, in a given period of time, a certain volume of said air flow passes through said main body air chamber; wherein a certain volume of said stripping liquid resides in said main body air chamber during said given period of time; and wherein the ratio of said certain volume of said air to said certain volume of said stripping liquid is at least about 10,000:1.  
     
     
       22. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a taraet material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup; wherein said main body air vortex comprises a cyclonic cup air vortex located within said cyclonic cup; wherein said main body further comprises a passive stripping liquid fog generating means that is in fluid communication with said liquid inlet means; wherein at least part of said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is located within said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is for generating fog particles from said stripping liquid and said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said fog particles strip a fog-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex; wherein said main body air vortex deposits on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface at least some of said fog particles; wherein said fog particles that are deposited on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprise at least part of said thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; wherein said fog-stripped part of said target material comprises at least part of said film-stripped part of said target material; and  
       wherein said passive stripping liquid fog generating means comprises a passive spiral fog generating nozzle.  
     
     
       23. The air sampler according to  claim 22 , wherein said cyclonic cup comprises a cyclonic cup base; wherein said cyclonic cup has a height measured from said cyclonic cup base; wherein said passive spiral fog generating nozzle has a height measured from said cyclonic cup base; and wherein the ratio of said height of said passive spiral fog generating nozzle to said height of said cyclonic cup is in the range of about 0.5 to 1.0. 
     
     
       24. The air sampler according to  claim 22 , wherein said passive spiral fog generating nozzle comprises a nozzle base and a nozzle free end; and wherein said passive spiral fog generating nozzle is at least generally tapered from said nozzle base to said nozzle free end. 
     
     
       25. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber: an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup; wherein said main body air vortex comprises a cyclonic cup air vortex located within said cyclonic cup; wherein said main body further comprises a passive stripping liquid fog generating means that is in fluid communication with said liquid inlet means; wherein at least part of said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is located within said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is for generating fog particles from said stripping liquid and said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said fog particles strip a fog-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex; wherein said main body air vortex deposits on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface at least some of said fog particles; wherein said fog particles that are deposited on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprise at least part of said thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; wherein said fog-stripped part of said target material comprises at least part of said film-stripped part of said target material;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises recycling means for conveying said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material at least once from said liquid outlet means to said liquid inlet means; and wherein each time said stripping liquid passes from said liquid inlet means to said liquid outlet means said stripping liquid strips an additional said fog-stripped part of said target material and strips an additional said film-stripped part of said target material, to increase the concentration of said fog-stripped part of said target material and said film-stripped part of said target material in said stripping liquid.  
     
     
       26. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body further comprises at least one groove in said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; and wherein said at least one groove follows an at least generally spiral path on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, for at least part of the way between said liquid inlet means and said liquid outlet means.  
     
     
       27. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body; 
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber: an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for Permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises reservoir means for collecting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material from said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; wherein said liquid outlet means is also for permitting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material to exit said main body air chamber through said reservoir means;  
       wherein said main body further comprises a demister; wherein said demister comprises a demister base and a demister sidewall; wherein said main body air vortex comprises a demister air vortex; wherein said reservoir means is defined by said demister air vortex, said demister base, and said demister sidewall;  
       wherein said demister sidewall and said demister base each comprises a respective radially enlarged portion; and wherein said reservoir means is defined by said demister air vortex and said radially enlarged portions of said demister sidewall and said demister base.  
     
     
       28. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises reservoir means for collecting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material from said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; and wherein said liquid outlet means is also for permitting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material to exit said main body air chamber through said reservoir means;  
       wherein said main body means further comprises liquid level detection means for detecting the amount of stripping liquid held by said main body means; wherein said main body further comprises a liquid return conduit extending from said reservoir means to said liquid inlet means; and wherein said liquid level detection means comprise means for detecting the passages of bubbles through said liquid return conduit.  
     
     
       29. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises reservoir means for collecting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material from said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; and wherein said liquid outlet means is also for permitting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material to exit said main body air chamber through said reservoir means;  
       wherein said main body further comprises a demister; and wherein said demister further comprises a vertically extending gutter means for collecting a portion of said stripping liquid.  
     
     
       30. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister;  
       wherein said main body air chamber comprises a cyclonic cup air chamber, a stripping column air chamber, and a demister air chamber;  
       wherein said air inlet means is for permitting said air flow to enter said cyclonic cup air chamber; wherein said air outlet means is for permitting said air flow to exit said demister air chamber; wherein said liquid inlet means is for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said cyclonic cup air chamber; wherein said liquid outlet means is for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said demister air chamber;  
       wherein said air flow from said air inlet means to said air outlet means passes sequentially through said cyclonic cup, said stripping column, and said demister;  
       wherein said main body air vortex comprises a cyclonic cup air vortex in said cyclonic cup air chamber, a stripping column air vortex in said stripping column air chamber, and a demister air vortex in said demister air chamber;  
       wherein said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprises a cyclonic cup stripping surface and a stripping column stripping surface,  
       wherein said thin liquid film passes sequentially over said cyclonic cup stripping surface and said stripping column stripping surface;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises recycling means for conveying said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material at least once from said liquid outlet means to said liquid inlet means; and wherein each time said stripping liquid passes from said liquid inlet means to said liquid outlet means said stripping liquid strips an additional said film-stripped part of said target material from said cyclonic cup air vortex, said stripping column air vortex and said demister air vortex, to increase the concentration of said film-stripped part of said target material in said stripping liquid.  
     
     
       31. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip, a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said air inlet means comprises an air inlet tube and an air inlet tube air chamber; wherein said air flow passes through said air inlet tube air chamber during operation of said air sampler; wherein said liquid inlet means comprises a fog generator means located at least partially in said air inlet tube air chamber; wherein said liquid inlet means is also for permitting at least part of said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber through said fog generator means and said air inlet tube;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said fog generator means is for generating fog particles within said air inlet tube air chamber from said stripping liquid; wherein said air flow passing through said air inlet tube air chamber carries said fog particles from said fog generator means into said main body air chamber; wherein said fog particles strip a fog-stripped part of said target material from said air flow passing through said air inlet tube air chamber and from said main body air vortex;  
       wherein said main body air vortex deposits on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface at least some of said fog particles; wherein said fog particles that are deposited on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprise at least part of said thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; and wherein said fog-stripped part of said target material comprises at least part of said film-stripped part of said target material.  
     
     
       32. The air sampler according to  claim 31 , wherein said liquid inlet means is also for permitting at least part of said stripping liquid to directly enter said main body air chamber. 
     
     
       33. The air sampler according to  claim 31 , wherein said air sampler further comprises recycling means for conveying said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material at least once from said liquid outlet means to said liquid inlet means; and wherein each time said stripping liquid passes from said liquid inlet means to said liquid outlet means said stripping liquid strips an additional said fog-stripped part of said target material and strips an additional said film-stripped part of said target material, to increase the concentration of said fog-stripped part of said target material and said film-stripped part of said target material in said stripping liquid. 
     
     
       34. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said tar et material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means; and  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises constant volume means for recycling said stripping liquid through said main body at least once, and for maintaining a constant volume of said stripping liquid in said main body within a pre-determined lower limit and a predetermined upper limit during operation of said air sampler.  
     
     
       35. The air sampler according to  claim 34 , wherein said constant volume means comprises a main body stripping liquid reservoir; an output recycling means for conveying said stripping liquid from said main body stripping liquid reservoir to said liquid inlet means; a fresh stripping liquid reservoir for fresh stripping liquid; a fresh stripping liquid output means for delivering said fresh stripping liquid from said fresh stripping liquid reservoir to said main body; and liquid level control means for sensing when said constant volume of said stripping liquid in said main body falls outside said pre-determined lower and upper limits, and for controlling a flow of said fresh stripping liquid through said fresh stripping liquid output means to maintain said constant volume of said stripping liquid in said main body within said pre-determined lower and upper limits. 
     
     
       36. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises a float-type liquid level control means for sensing a level of said stripping liquid in said main body stripping liquid reservoir. 
     
     
       37. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises a bubble detector-type liquid level control means for sensing the passage of a flow of bubbles through said output recycling means. 
     
     
       38. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises a pressure gauge-type liquid level control means for sensing a pressure of said stripping liquid in at least one of said main body stripping liquid reservoir and said output recycling means. 
     
     
       39. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises a heated element placed in said stripping liquid in said output recycling means; and wherein said liquid level control means further comprises a temperature-type liquid level control means for sensing a temperature of said heated element. 
     
     
       40. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises a velocity-type liquid level control means for sensing at least one of a velocity of said stripping liquid in said output recycling means and a velocity of a flow of particles carried by said stripping liquid in said output recycling means. 
     
     
       41. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises an acoustic impedance-type liquid level control means for sensing changes in an acoustic impedance of said stripping liquid in said output recycling means. 
     
     
       42. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises an acoustic sensor-type liquid level control means for sensing a turbulence noise of said stripping liquid in said output recycling means. 
     
     
       43. The air sampler according to  claim 35 , wherein said liquid level control means comprises a stripping liquid film detector-type liquid level control means for sensing said thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface. 
     
     
       44. The air sampler according to  claim 43 , wherein said stripping liquid film detector-type liquid level control means is selected from the group consisting of: (a) an optical waveguide-type liquid level control means for sensing a series of optical waveguide changes in an at least partially transparent wall of said main body, (b) an acoustic echo-type liquid level control means, (c) a heated wire temperature detecting-type liquid level control means for sensing a temperature of a heated wire in said thin liquid film, and (d) an electromagnetic coupling-type liquid level control means for sensing an electromagnetic coupling of said thin liquid film. 
     
     
       45. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means; and  
       wherein said stripping liquid comprises a surfactant.  
     
     
       46. The air sampler according to  claim 45 , wherein said surfactant comprises a non-foaming surfactant. 
     
     
       47. The air sampler according to  claim 46 , wherein said non-foaming surfactant comprises a surfactant that is selected from the group consisting essentially of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate (10); 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate (30); sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate; and p-(nonylphenoxy)poly(glycidol). 
     
     
       48. The air sampler according to  claim 45 , wherein said target material comprises hydrophobic molecules; wherein said hydrophobic molecules have a solubilization in said stripping liquid; and wherein said surfactant comprises a solubilization surfactant that increases said solubilization of said hydrophobic molecules in said stripping liquid. 
     
     
       49. The air sampler according to  claim 48 , wherein said solubilization surfactant comprises a surfactant that is selected from the group consisting essentially of: 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diolethoxylate (10)); 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate (30)); sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate; and p-(nonylphenoxy)poly(glycidol). 
     
     
       50. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said tripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means; and  
       wherein at least part of said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprises a hydrophilic material, to aid in the formation of said thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface.  
     
     
       51. The air sampler according to  claim 50 , wherein said hydrophilic material comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of a continuously graded junction of said hydrophilic material, a cellulosic material, a hydroxylated material, an etched material, an anodized material, and a roughened material. 
     
     
       52. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup; wherein said main body air vortex comprises a cyclonic cup air vortex located within said cyclonic cup; wherein said main body further comprises a passive stripping liquid fog generating means that is in fluid communication with said liquid inlet means; wherein at least part of said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is located within said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said passive stripping liquid fog generating means is for generating fog particles from said stripping liquid and said cyclonic cup air vortex; wherein said fog particles strip a fog-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex; wherein said main body air vortex deposits on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface at least some of said fog particles; wherein said fog particles that are deposited on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprise at least part of said thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; wherein said fog-stripped part of said target material comprises at least part of said film-stripped part of said target material; and  
       wherein said passive stripping liquid fog generating means comprises a passive fog generating slot.  
     
     
       53. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister; and wherein said cyclonic cup, said stripping column and said demister comprise one integrally formed piece.  
     
     
       54. The air sampler according to  claim 53 , wherein said air inlet means comprises an air inlet tube; and wherein said one integrally formed piece further comprises said air inlet tube. 
     
     
       55. The air sampler according to  claim 54 , wherein said one integrally formed piece is selected from the group consisting of one integrally formed blow-molded piece and one integrally formed roto-molded piece. 
     
     
       56. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister; wherein said cyclonic cup, said stripping column and said demister each comprise respective intersecting surfaces; and wherein at least some of said respective intersecting surfaces are joined by a respective smoothly curved fillet.  
     
     
       57. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises reservoir means for collecting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material from said stripping portion of said main body inner surface; and wherein said liquid outlet means is also for permitting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material to exit said main body air chamber through said reservoir means.  
     
     
       58. The air sampler according to  claim 57 , wherein said main body further comprises a demister; wherein said demister comprises a demister base and a demister sidewall; wherein said main body air vortex comprises a demister air vortex; and wherein said reservoir means is defined by said demister air vortex, said demister base, and said demister sidewall. 
     
     
       59. The air sampler according to  claim 57 , wherein said main body means further comprises liquid level detection means for detecting the amount of stripping liquid held by said reservoir means; and wherein said liquid level detection means comprise a float located in said reservoir means and a pair of vertically separated float detector means for detecting the elevation of said float. 
     
     
       60. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein, in a given period of time, a certain volume of said air flow passes through said main body air chamber; wherein a certain volume of said stripping liquid resides in said main body air chamber during said given period of time; and wherein the ratio of said certain volume of said air to said certain volume of said stripping liquid is at least about 10,000:1.  
     
     
       61. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means; and  
       wherein said air sampler is adapted to create said air flow by a ram air effect at said air inlet means, due to a relative motion between said air inlet means and an air mass to be sampled.  
     
     
       62. The air sampler according to  claim 61 , wherein said air inlet means comprises an air inlet tube and an air scoop for said air inlet tube; and wherein a cross-sectional area of an inlet of said air scoop is larger than a cross-sectional area of said air inlet tube. 
     
     
       63. An air sampler; wherein said air sampler is adapted to strip a target material from an air flow with a stripping liquid; wherein said air sampler comprises: 
       a main body means comprising a main body, a main body inner surface and a main body air chamber; wherein said main body inner surface defines said main body air chamber; wherein said main body air chamber is located within said main body;  
       wherein said air sampler further comprises an air inlet means for permitting said air flow to enter said main body air chamber; an air outlet means for permitting said air flow to exit said main body air chamber; a liquid inlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said main body air chamber; a liquid outlet means for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said main body air chamber;  
       wherein, during operation of said air sampler, said main body means is for forming said air flow from said air inlet means into a main body air vortex within said main body air chamber, wherein said main body air vortex has a velocity with respect to a stripping portion of said main body inner surface that is selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said stripping liquid from said liquid inlet means to form a thin liquid film on said stripping portion of said main body inner surface, wherein said thin liquid film strips a film-stripped part of said target material from said main body air vortex, and wherein said velocity of said main body air vortex is also selected to enable said main body air vortex to urge said thin liquid film and said film-stripped part of said target material to flow to said liquid outlet means;  
       wherein said main body comprises a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister;  
       wherein said main body air chamber comprises a cyclonic cup air chamber, a stripping column air chamber, and a demister air chamber;  
       wherein said air inlet means is for permitting said air flow to enter said cyclonic cup air chamber; wherein said air outlet means is for permitting said air flow to exit said demister air chamber; wherein said liquid inlet means is for permitting said stripping liquid to enter said cyclonic cup air chamber; wherein said liquid outlet means is for permitting said stripping liquid to exit said demister air chamber;  
       wherein said air flow from said air inlet means to said air outlet means passes sequentially through said cyclonic cup, said stripping column, and said demister;  
       wherein said main body air vortex comprises a cyclonic cup air vortex in said cyclonic cup air chamber, a stripping column air vortex in said stripping column air chamber, and a demister air vortex in said demister air chamber;  
       wherein said stripping portion of said main body inner surface comprises a cyclonic cup stripping surface and a stripping column stripping surface; and  
       wherein said thin liquid film passes sequentially over said cyclonic cup stripping surface and said stripping column stripping surface.  
     
     
       64. The air sampler according to  claim 63 , wherein said stripping column air chamber has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of said cyclonic cur air chamber; wherein said stripping column air vortex rotates faster than said cyclonic cup air vortex, to create a relatively lower pressure area in said stripping column air chamber, to permit a relatively higher pressure in said cyclonic cup air chamber to urge said thin liquid film from said cyclonic cup stripping surface to said stripping column stripping surface. 
     
     
       65. The air sampler according to  claim 64 , wherein said demister comprises a reservoir means for collecting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material from said cyclonic cup stripping surface, said stripping column stripping surface, and said demister stripping surface; and 
       wherein said liquid outlet means is also for permitting said stripping liquid and said film-stripped part of said target material to exit said demister air chamber through said reservoir means.  
     
     
       66. The air sampler according to  claim 65 , wherein said demister air chamber has a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of said stripping column air chamber; 
       wherein said cross-sectional area of said demister air chamber is selected to permit said air flow to travel through said demister air chamber at a velocity that is slow enough to enable said air flow through said demister air chamber to drop at least part of any stripping liquid that was air-entrained in said air flow in said cyclonic cup air chamber and in said stripping column air chamber;  
       wherein said demister comprises a demister sidewall and a demister base; wherein a demister portion of said stripping column extends through said demister base into said demister air chamber; and wherein said reservoir means is defined between said demister base, said demister sidewall and said demister portion of said stripping column.  
     
     
       67. The air sampler according to  claim 1 , wherein said liquid inlet means is also for permitting at least part of said stripping liquid to directly enter said main body air chamber.